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These are the contracts that make the most sense, based upon the level of ability of the player, the length of the contract and the amount of money paid. Some of these players will not earn their pay, but each of these contracts make sense.

MOISES ALOU (Mets) - 1 yr, $8 million. Yes, he's 40, but he's a career .300 hitter, he gets on base OK at .368, and he's slugged over .500 for his career (.516). A lot of Mets fans have been grumbling over this signing, but it's just a 1 year deal. If it works out and Alou is productive for 1 more year, great. If not, so what? Nothing is owed after this year. Worth the risk deal.

JOE BOROWSKI (Indians) - 1 yr, $4.25 Million. Had a decent year for the Marlins last year, saving 36 games. Another smart one year deal that could pan out great, or not, but nothing is owed beyond this year.

SEAN CASEY (Tigers) - 1 yr, $4 million. Did not have a great year last year, but he's a lifetime .300 hitter, and again, it's just a 1 year deal. He's 33, so he could bounce back this year, or not, but the Tigers owe him nothing beyond this year. If he's got anything left, expect him to show it for another contract.

OCTAVIO DOTEL (Royals) - 1 yr, $5 Million. Has pitched to 83% of the league ERA in career, and averged 10.3 K's per 9 innings. Injuries are his problem, but another 1 year contract that could payoff big time if he's healthy.

RAY DURHAM (Giants) - 2yrs, $14 Million. Reasonable contract for a second baseman who averages 107 runs scored per 162 games. Slugged over .500 for first time in career last year.

ERIC GAGNE - (Rangers) - 1 yr, $6 Million. Reasonable gamble that could really payoff if he can get back to half of what he used to be. If he can't pitch anymore, it's just a 1 year write-off.

MARCUS GILES (Padres) - 1 yr, $3.2 Million. Numbers really declined last year, as he couldn't even slug over .400. He's only 28 though, and it's reasonable to expect he can bounce back and have a good year, in which case he's a real bargain. He'll be motivated to have a big year for another contract.

KEI IGAWA (Yankees) - 5 yrs, $20 Million. His record in Japan is pretty good at: 1,244 Innings/ 8.5 K's/ 2.9 BB's/ 3.15 ERA, with a lifetime record of 86-60 (.589). If he can come anywhere close to those numbers here, the Yankees have a real bargain at $4 Million per year. Well worth the risk.

AKINORI IWAMURA (D Rays) - 3 yrs, $7.7 Million. Numbers in Japan decent enough at: 188 HR's, 570 RBI's and 550 Runs in 3580 AB's. Lifetime Average of .300, with .366

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